Community Foundation of Elkhart County awards $1.1 million to Goshen Parks & Recreation Department and SPA Women’s Ministry

(Elkhart, Indiana) The Community Foundation of Elkhart County approved $1.1 million of Key Initiative Grants to end the first grant cycle of the 2017-2018 fiscal year.  The competitive grant awards come from the Community Foundation’s unrestricted fund, Fund for Elkhart County.  This is the final year under the current grant model, which was established in July 2014.

Key Initiative Grants

Key Initiative Grants are awarded to organizations whose requests are above $250,000 and whose work is related to the Community Foundation’s three priorities: Youth Development, Vibrant Community, and Quality of Life.  These grant requests begin in the Community Investment Grant (CIG) process and upon approval of the respective CIG committee are forwarded to the Key Initiatives Committee (KIC).  The KIC is comprised of the chairpersons of the CIG committees, current board members and former board members.  

Two award recipients for Key Initiative Grants:

• Goshen Parks and Recreation Department, $900,000, Multi-Use Pavilion Project
  The Goshen Millrace Multi-Use Pavilion and Ice Rink will have year round programming run by the Goshen Parks & Recreation Department and be available for rent for community and private events. The facility will be used for junior ice hockey leagues, junior leagues, pickup games, weddings, concerts, and additional community events.  This $900,000 is in addition to a first-round $100,000 award provided by the Vibrant Community Committee for a total $1,000,000 commitment. The project is expected to be completed by December 2019.
• SPA Women’s Ministry, $200,000 / 1:1 Challenge, Building Hope Capital Campaign
  SPA Women’s Ministry provides a 12-month, faith-based residential treatment program for women facing addiction issues. Women are taught practical skills, financial management and nutrition education.  The Building Hope Capital Campaign will provide a new, larger facility that will expand the services offered, increase the number of women who can be served and consolidate service locations. This $200,000 is in addition to a first-round $100,000 challenge award provided by the Quality of Life Committee for a total $300,000 commitment.

“These two organizations are great examples of agencies working hard to improve the quality of life and the quality of place of our county," says Jill Sigsbee KIC chairperson, “We are honored to support their efforts and advance their missions.”

About Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Community Foundation of Elkhart County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1989, the Community Foundation has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by providing scholarship opportunities to local students and making grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Elkhart County.  The Community Foundation has awarded approximately $96.4 million to more than 400 local nonprofit organizations, including more than $18 million in fiscal year 2017.  It is with strength and hope the Community Foundation seeds the local landscape, supporting plans, programs, and ideas that potentially stand the test of time.  The Community Foundation strives to be a local entity known for inspiring good and impacting success. 

To learn more about the Community Foundation and its services, go to www.InspiringGood.org or call us at 574-295-8761.